The Surf Window

St Kilda Dunedin

Otago, New Zealand

Beach breakIntermediate

The northern of Dunedin's two surf beaches, St Kilda is an urban beach where Otago Peninsula funnels Southern Ocean swells into consistent beach break, and the local surf community has thrived in one of New Zealand's most culturally rich university cities.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–S 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

NW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Oct

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the beach

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent Southern Ocean beach break with cold water requiring proper gear

Hazards

  • •Cold water, 10–14°C
  • •Rip currents in bigger swells
  • •Can be crowded being Dunedin's most accessible surf beach

Local Tips

  • •St Clair (the southern beach, separated by rocks) is the more respected surf spot
  • •Dunedin is New Zealand's craft beer capital, post-surf options are excellent
  • •The Otago Peninsula wildlife (albatross, penguins, sea lions) is extraordinary, visit Taiaroa Head

Location

Map showing the location of St Kilda Dunedin in Otago, New Zealand

-45.8940, 170.4988